Chamber Urges Legislators to Pass Sales Tax Exemption
for the Purchase of New Manufacturing Machinery The Chamber's Board of Directors unanimously passed a motion to support a sales tax exemption for the purchase of new manufacturing machinery. According to Florida TaxWatch, manufacturing has the highest "economic multiplier" of any Florida industry, which means that creating one manufacturing job creates more indirect and induced jobs that any other industry. Eliminating the tax would save manufacturers $141 million annually, allowing more money to be spent on job creation, expansion and capital investments. "Florida has the opportunity to lead the world in manufacturing, but our current tax on manufacturers prevents us from capitalizing on that opportunity. With such an overwhelming percentage of potential customers outside of the United States, we are an ideal international gateway," said Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Chamber. Click here for the full press release.
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2013 Golf Tournament Just Around the Corner
Foursomes Still Available. Individual Golfers Now Accepted.
Dust off your clubs and prepare to hit the links with the Chamber for our 2013 Golf Tournament on May 13 at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club. Tournament proceeds benefit the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which supports the Chamber's educational and leadership programs. It's not too late to sponsor the tournament or sign up a foursome. Additionally, we are taking a limited number of individual players. Sign up today and we'll put you on a team! Click here to download the event flyer. To register, contact Amanda Holt.
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Leadership Tampa's Class of 2014 Information Session
Learn more about Tampa's premier leadership program on May 8 at 4PM.
 Since 1971, Leadership Tampa has been introducing class members to major facets of the greater Tampa community through an intensive nine-month course. The Leadership Tampa program challenges members to see the Tampa Bay Community as they never have before while preparing candidates for the next step in their leadership journey. The selection process is both rigorous and competitive for the 50-60 seats available in each class. Come find out how to be a successful Leadership Tampa candidate while learning about the history and benefits of the program at these upcoming informative sessions. Click here to learn more about the information sessions. Click here to register for the May 8th session
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Recap: Tampa Bay Rays Chamber Luncheon
 On Tuesday, Tampa Bay Rays Coach Joe Maddon and Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg joined with players and executives during the Chamber's first sports luncheon of the year at the Hilton Downtown Tampa. Maddon allowed the audience decide the line up for that evening's home game and attendees were able to ask questions to the Rays personnel in attendance as well as win several prizes, including team merchandise and autographs. Special thanks to the luncheon's presenting sponsor, the Tampa Bay Times.
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Save the Date: 10th Annual Florida-Japan SummitLearn about the exchange of information regarding our Business, Education, and Cultural ties The 10th Annual Florida - Japan Summit will be held in Tampa on June 7 at the University of South Florida. This is an important summit, as a Southeast U.S. Japan State, that Tampa Bay highlight what is important in Florida with our Japan relationships and report these findings during the meeting with all TN, NC, SC, GA, FL, MS, AL, LA in Biloxi, Mississippi in November 2013. These states will also be holding their State meetings during the early summer. We encourage you to attend this event and network with officials from Japan and around the State of Florida. Click here for more information.
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Connect your business with MacDill Air Force BaseAttend breakout sessions with seasoned contractors on targeted topics  MacDill Air Force Base is Tampa's city within a city - encompassing more than 5,700 acres and providing more than 13,000 jobs to the Tampa Bay area. There are more than $8 billion in capital assets on base and more than 5 million square feet of facilities. It is also home to more than 1,200 active duty military and their dependents. With such an extensive infrastructure, MacDill often relies on outside contractors to keep the base in top shape. Come on June 6 to hear directly from base executives about their needs and step-by-step instructions to get your company connected with MacDill. Click here for more information
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Chamber welcomes New Members!
Please give a warm welcome to the following companies who have recently become Chamber members: ZYXYS, Inc. - Computer Consultants/Sales/Software/Systems
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Emerge Tampa Bay's Inaugural
"Connect for a Difference" Nonprofit Volunteer Fair
Saturday, April 27, 2013 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
USF Marshall Student Center Ballroom, 4103 Cedar Circle
This is your opportunity to to discover summer internship and service opportunities to solidify your passion and career goals! Come out to learn more about your local nonprofit and community service organizations and make your summer plans! Join the social media conversation by using the hashtag #Emerging2013 when tweeting about the event! Download the event flyer or register here!
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Public Policy Roundtable featuring Paul Anderson
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
The University Club, 201 N. Franklin Street
The Chamber invites you to join us for a Public Policy Roundtable featuring the new Director of the Tampa Port Authority, Paul Anderson. Join us to hear about his plan and vision for the Port of Tampa. Free for FIT Three members, $35 all other Chamber members and $40 for non-members. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Emerge Tampa Bay presents:
Love me or Hate me, Just check my Calendar!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-Downtown, 513 S. Florida Avenue
Another double-booked Saturday night? Meeting with a client vs. dinner with that special someone? Think your 9-to-5 (which is really a 9-to-9) will leave you as a lifelong member of a dating site? Work/Life balance is a common issue in today's society. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks while Emerge Tampa Bay's panel of four successful duos share their secrets, such as when to turn work off and how to maintain a healthy relationship while climbing the corporate ladder. The featured panelists include: Greg Celestan & Joanne Tremont, Chris & Katie Krimitsos, Seth & Phoebe Kushner, and Steve & Julie Weintraub. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Buzz-ness After Hours (Joint Emerge/Chamber Event)
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Westin Tampa Bay, 7627 Courtney Campbell Causeway
Come find out what all "The Buzz" is about! Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and network with your fellow Chamber & Emerge Tampa Bay members! Free for members, $15 for non-members! Hosted by Westin Tampa Bay. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Get Connected
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Microsoft, 5426 Bay Center Drive, Suite 700
Get Connected is a formal networking program designed to give members the opportunity to create business relationships with other members. Free for FITs One and Two, $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Hosted by Microsoft. Click here to register!
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New Member Coffee Connection
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
New Member Coffee Connection focuses on Chamber members within their first year of membership and is held every other month. It is designed to help engage new members and build relationships. This program is facilitated by an Ambassador, who is a volunteer and will serve as your mentor! Click here! to register!
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Public Policy Roundtable: 2013 Legislative Wrap-Up
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-Downtown, 513 S. Florida Avenue
The Chamber invites you to join us for our 2013 Legislative Wrap-Up where our state senators and state representatives representing Hillsborough County will discuss the outcome of the 2013 Legislative Session and our 2013 State Legislative Agenda. Free for FIT Three members, $45 all other Chamber members and $50 for non-members. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Competitive Edge Series: "Collaborating for Success"
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
Join the Chamber for our monthly Competitive Edge Series to learn about "Collaborating for Success" from restaurant mogul Chris Sullivan. Chris is a founder of the Outback Steakhouse restaurant company. Along with his partners, the first Outback Steakhouse was opened in March 1988 and today, there are now over 900 Outback Steakhouses worldwide. OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC also operates several other hospitality related businesses. Free for FIT Two, $35 for Chamber members and $50 for potential members. Download the event flyer or register here!
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